Scratchboard is a great medium to use for hide and hair. I
love using this medium for animals. Black scratchboard is a thin
board covered with a layer of chalk and then sprayed with a black
ink. With a sharp tool you scratch away the black ink to expose
the white chalk. If you want to add paint (like watercolor) you
need to spray the board with a fixative after you scratch it
because the black ink is water soluble and you could ruin your
piece. Here are some basic instructions to get you started. Have
fun!

Monica and Tatum

I start with a pencil drawing. This is probably the most
time consuming part of the project for me. The proportions and
layout must be right at this level, the scratchboard is where I
put all the finishing touches to the sketch.

It's important to have the picture broken down to only the
most essential lines. Then I transfer it to the scratchboard
using graphite paper.

I use ESSDEE SCRAPER BOARD. It really is the best and I'm
fortunate enough to have a local art supply store that carries it
($25.00 for a 19 x 24 sheet)

For scratching I use these tools most of the time They can
be purchased anywhere you can purchase scratchboard. However, I
also use xacto knives and razor blades if necessary.

With long hair and fur the only advice I can give is
practice on a scrap piece of scratchboard until you feel
confident enough to just get in there and do it. It really must
be done in single strokes or it will look choppy. I start with
the pointed tool and then work the highlights with the rounded,
broader tool.

Scratchboard can smudge because of natural oils and
persperation that's on skin. When I work on a scratchboard I rest
my hand on a piece of tissue. (Do not use scented tissue or
tissue treated with aloe or lotion). I also use tissue to wipe
the picture periodically. If you blow away the chalk dust it gets
in your eyes and attacks your sinuses so I strongly suggest
wiping.

With the face and the arm I have given some examples of how
skin is simple cross-hatching. Always remember to scratch as
little as possible; you can always scratch more later and it is
much more difficult to remove scratches.

In any medium I am working, I always do the eyes of the
animals and people first. If the eyes aren't right there is no
point in going on.

When you have finished scratching and you're satisfied that
the piece is done, wipe it as clean as possible. Now you are
ready to spray it. I use Krylon workable fixative. This will
highten the contrasts and eliminate any miner fingerprints or
smudges. Remember it is better to spray several light coats then
to try one thick coat ( thick coats tend to run)